Most parents-to-be look forward to the arrival of a new baby with joy and excitement, mixed with a certain amount of anxiety. Will there be something wrong with their child?
Fortuately, the majority of babies born are perfectly healthy. But a small percentage (6%) are born with congenital conditions. How serious are these conditions? What are the long term prognoses for affected babies? And what can you do to reduce your chances of having a child affected by abnormalities?
Here’s a rundown of the most common congenital conditions:
1. Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)
Globally, congenital heart defects are the most common. They affect the structure or function of the heart and how blood flows through it.
Congenital heart defects occur early in pregnancy – at around 5-6 weeks – when the heart forms. They can range from mild conditions that resolve on their own to severe malformations that require immediate surgery. CHD is the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths.
Symptoms include pale grey or blue lips, tongue or fingernails, rapid breathing, swelling in the legs or torso and shortness of breath during feeding. Less-serious congenital heart defects may not be identified until later in childhood.
Causes
The exact cause of most CHDs is unknown. But risk factors include:
- Rubella (German measles). Contracting rubella during pregnancy can affect the baby’s heart development. If you’ve already had rubella, you should be immune from getting it again. In developed countries, women who don’t have natural immunity can have a vaccination before falling pregnant to avoid the risk.
- Diabetes. Careful control of blood sugar before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of congenital heart defects in the baby.
- Medication. Taking certain medicines during pregnancy can cause congenital heart disease and other health problems. Always tell your doctor about any medication you take.
- Drinking alcohol and smoking. Drinking and/or smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital heart defects in the baby.
- Genetics. Congenital heart defects appear to run in families, which means they may be inherited.
2. Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is the most common type of chromosomal abnormality, affecting about 1 in 1000 babies born worldwide. It occurs at conception, and is the result of an extra chromosome 21. Children born with Down Syndrome have characteristic physical features, developmental delays and mild to moderate intellectual disability. There is no cure or treatment.
A significant risk factor for Down Syndrome is the age of the mother. Although younger women can give birth to babies with the condition, it is more prevalent in women over the age of 40.
Some individuals with Down syndrome are able to graduate normally from school and hold down jobs, while others need special education to reach their full potential. They may have hearing and vision problems, poor immune function and a greater risk of epilepsy, leukaemia and thyroid diseases.
3. Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Worldwide, it’s estimated that a child is born with a cleft condition every three minutes. The incidence is higher in under developed countries, and may be linked to genetics, pre-existing medical conditions, poor nutrition and environmental conditions, such as smoke inhalation from cooking over an open fire.
A cleft occurs when the lip or roof of the mouth does not form properly during early pregnancy, leaving a gap that can affect eating, speaking, hearing, and breathing. Cleft conditions are typically corrected surgically within a few months of the child’s life. Depending on the severity of the condition, a series of operations may be necessary.
In parts of the world where access to surgery is limited, including South Africa, children with cleft conditions may not get the surgery they need. These children face stigma, bullying, and health challenges, including malnutrition.
Free access to safe surgery
Operation Smile works in communities where access to surgical care for cleft conditions is either non-existent or severely limited. Using skilled medical volunteers, we provide free, safe surgery and post-operative care to children and adults with cleft conditions. We are also committed to training and capacity building to increase the number of specialist surgeons in under resourced countries.
Our mission is to ensure that no child has to live with the discomfort, isolation, and health risks of an untreated cleft. We depend on support from caring members of the public to make our work possible. Your donation helps gives children across South Africa the gift of surgery – and the chance to live healthier, happier lives.
4. Spina bifida
Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube (which becomes the brain and spinal cord) does not close properly during early pregnancy, resulting in a gap which can expose the spinal cord.
The severity of the condition can vary greatly, depending on the position and extent of the opening. Treatment may include surgery to close the gap, physical therapy and other interventions to manage complications.
While the exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, a lack of folic acid (vitamin B9) during pregnancy is a significant risk factor. As with other birth defects, it is more common in regions of the world where there is a lack of awareness and access to prenatal care.
5. Clubfoot
Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth condition. It happens when the tendons connecting the muscles to the bone are too short, causing the foot to turn inward instead of facing flat. Left untreated, clubfoot can cause long-term mobility issues.
However, it can usually be treated through gentle stretching and physical therapy. In some cases, a brace or surgery may be needed to adjust the tendons, ligaments and joints of the foot and ankle.
Whilst having a baby affected by a congenital abnormality is devastating for new parents, most common birth conditions can be treated or minimised with prompt medical intervention. If your child is affected by a cleft lip or palate and you need information or help, please contact us.